Wallingford 4-3 Ladies 2nd

The Ladies Two's played their last league game of the season this weekend. It was another exciting game as they continued to play with the determination and desire that has seen them improve as the season has progressed.

The game began with Wallingford taking the lead within the first three minutes after a misplaced pass in midfield allowed the Wallingford midfield to charge at the A&C defence and beat Tanya with a well struck shot from the top of the 'D' in a one-on-one situation.

Despite this setback, heads didn't go down and A&C started to play much better hockey. For the next 15 mins or so (sorry Potty I didn't have a stopwatch with me), the game was evenly balanced, A&C defended and kept out the novel Wallingford penalty corner routine well, with Tanya making some excellent diving saves to deny them and Oona making a save on the goal line. When we were finally awarded a penalty corner, things looked set to change, but unfortunately the ball went astray and the equalising opportunity was squandered.

Nearing the end of the first half Wallingford's fitness showed and they continued to move the ball around very well as our ladies felt the pace and gaps started to open in the middle. Wallingford managed to score another couple of goals in this time, so at half time we were 3-0 down, not a true reflection on the 'state of play'.

From our push back at the start of the second half, Jo, Katie B, Pippa, Clare and Erica, kept the ball beautifully playing passes down the left wing, over 15 were counted, and as we got into the 'D' we just missed the first chance of the second half. This spurred Wallingford into life and they pushed forward even harder than before, putting us under intense pressure around the top of the 'D', but excellent defence and a couple more first-rate saves from Tanya kept us in the game.

With one clearance from defence our hard working forward line of Clare and Erica picked up the ball and pressed forward. They held the ball up well and waited for support before attacking the 'D' again. Jo called for the ball back on the '25', it came to her and she struck the ball into the 'D' with Laura getting in front of her marker and deflecting the ball past the hapless goalkeeper. We were back in the game and it was no less than our efforts deserved.

Unfortunately, Wallingford piled forward again and whilst a tactical substitution was made and directions given, they managed to score. 4-1

Following this, we promptly changed our method of play, dropping Laura and Pippa deeper to become the outlets from our defence and we succeeded in turning the game around. For the last 20 mins there was only one team in it, us. I don't even think Wallingford managed to get back into our 'D' as our central defence of Maureen and Janet stepped out and refused them any space. Further hard work up front and a great pick up and pass by Clare to Laura, gave her the space and time to collect the ball knock it past her defender, accelerate onto it and beat the again hapless goalkeeper. 4-2.

A couple of minutes later and Laura and Clare had again worked the ball beautifully around the back, with the final pass from the back line going over the penalty spot, with the onrushing Fay just failing to get there. But it still wasn't over as Laura picked up the ball again, beat her defender and attacked the 'D', Wallingford surely weren't going to let her score again and both covering defenders ran to her. This left Clare free at the top of the 'D', a nice square pass found her and she swept the ball sweetly into the net. At this stage we were rampant and completely on top. But with only three minutes left time beat us, if only there had been another five, I'm sure we would not only have drawn this game but probably won it.

If the Ladies two's can keep this team together and play with the commitment and desire of the second half, we all believe next season will be a very successful one for them.

Well done to them all and what an exciting game to watch.

Team: Tanya Fyffe, Heidi James, Janet Velde, Maureen Rugg, Oona Carlin, Laura Patterson, Jo Peters, Katie Boughen, Pippa Brettle, Clare Winter, Erica Schelshorn, Katie Jennison and Fay Rider.

SPRING BALL

Saturday 26th April 7.15pm

Marquee, awards, 3-course meal, music 'til midnight.

Please bring your cheques (payable to: Chalfont Park Sports Association) to your game tomorrow ... captains have tickets. £35 ticket. If in doubt please call Caroline 07887 675310 to reserve your tickets NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everybody welcome!

MENS 4,5,6 DINNER

The 4th, 5th and 6th team dinner is being held on Saturday April 5th at 7pm (sit down at 8pm) at the clubhouse. It is expected that approximately 30 people will be there, dinner costs £15, drinks extra. If you have not got your name down then please contact Bob Hance as soon as possible.

MENS 3RD CURRY

The 3rds are having our team curry at the club this saturday and cordially invite any body who has played for us, umpired, supported or even recognised us this season, in fact anyone who wants to come to join us in our hour of triumph.

The Ladies 1sts would like to see as many people up at Newlands at 10.30 to support them during their promotion decider against Wallingford. This is a winner takes all game, with the winner being promoted along with champions Marlow. Come on, let's get behind them and help get the clubs third promotion of the season.

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

After last weeks excellent win over 2ND placed High Wycombe had secured promotion, a win away against 3rd placed Banbury would confirm the 3rd XI as champions.

The match was always going to be difficult, as a win for the opposition would mean that they could still overtake High Wycombe and clinch the remaining promotion spot.

With Ringham demonstrating his commitment to the team by interrupting a weekend away with the wife [he claimed she needed a rest] in order to play, the team took to the pitch full of confidence.

From the start Banbury took the game to A&C but, as other sides had discovered during the course of the season, the A&C defence, led by Drew and Daffy, was resolute and impossible to breakdown. Midway through the first half a quick break by A&C led to a free hit on the right of the Banbury circle from which Mark scored the games opening goal. The defence continued to confidently deal with Banbury's forwards and another fast break and excellent exchange of passes ended with Neil making it 2-0 to A&C at half time.

After a rousing talk from the Captain in the interval A&C started the second half the stronger of the two teams. However a well-taken goal by the Banbury centre forward reduced the lead to a single goal. Yet again A&C remained positive and Tony soon restored the two-goal advantage after converting a penalty flick awarded when the keeper brought him down. As Banbury became increasingly frustrated the game effectively ended as a contest when their sweeper was red carded for pushing the umpire. [Not our umpire.] Soon after, a great run down the left by Huw ended with Russ scoring on the far post. Although Banbury managed to score from a short corner, another quick and decisive A&C attack ended with Doug rifling in a shot from the top right of the circle to make the final score 5-2. The league has been won with a game to spare and the team look forward to celebrating next week in the final match against Ashford.

Men's MBBO League Presentations

24th April 2003 at High Wycombe Cricket & Hockey Club, 7.30pm

The MBBO league presentations will be made on this date and as A&C's Men's 3rd and Men's 4th XIs are league winners, please come and support these teams and the club. This is also an opportunity to put forward your views on how the league is run. For your information the MBBO league will be restructured into an open league and a Men's 1st XI league, as of the start of the 2004/5 season. Positions for the new open league (i.e. from the Men's 2nd XI & current open leagues) will be decided next year, 2003/4. The Men's 1st XI league will stay the same (as I understand it!).